Through the praise of children

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foes and the avenger. / Psalm 8:2

Lord let it be so that from mouths of children and young people come forth praises that declare Your worth and Your works. That just as Joshua led the army with a shout, so lead your chosen ones to shout Your fame and break down walls that keep our generation from worshipping You. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. / Luke 18:17

Once again Lord, help me believe You like a child, love You like a child. Unashamed, unapologetic. For through them you call forth your praise to shame the strong. Theirs is the Kingdom.

Day in the Life

Today was one of my office's (www.apmedia.org) party. By 11AM we left for office to go to Serendra for an eat all you can lunch at Brazil Brazil. Before going there I met Netty at Market Market. Looking lovely as ever. We arrived with everyone already eating. After lunch we had games. All of them mental games: Guess the Christmas song, Memory Game similar to what you play in the old Nokias, and Pinoy Henyo. Then came the giving of gifts. It was a fun time out of the office and fellowship with my officemates out of the office. After which we spent a few more hours in Market Market before going home.

Day in the Life

Through Oli's eyes.

Meet Oholiab or Oli for short (Ex. 31:6). Born December 3, 2010.

Day in the Life: Baguio

I'm here now in APTS Baguio City. Left Manila at 1AM and arrived 6AM in Baguio which is pretty quick. I didn't notice the drag because I was asleep most of the time. Anyway I'm here in Baguio for our district convention. It's been like two-three years since I attended one. I will be promoting Chi Alpha ministry tomorrow night. It's good also to be in fellowship with friends and co-ministers once again.

Day in the Life

It's been busy lately especially with Christmas drawing near. Some thoughts:

• Everything's like a giant tangled clutter right now, need some time to untangle things and order them in my head.
• Raving on my new MacBook Pro. Finally after much sulking.
• Tonight I will be going to Baguio for our district convention. And will go down Wednesday night for school.
• School is dragging but on my head I know there's a lot to be done, especially my internship programs.
• Chi Alpha is doing great. Recent projects include Batangas City and UP Diliman.
• Missing my parents because we haven't gone to visit now for two weeks.

The Secret Disciple

Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. / John 19:38 NLT

Once he followed Jesus from a distance. Joseph indeed followed Jesus in secrecy because he was never made known to us until this moment. But it was a remarkable moment nonetheless. For in the four gospels he is painted as one emerging from his place of secrecy into broad daylight.  "Joseph ... asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus' body." For Joseph, what Jesus did on the cross for him now outshone his hesitation to be associated with Him. For Joseph, it was better late than never, to announce his allegiance before the world. Love, once again and ever shall, conquer Fear.

What could it mean to be a secret disciple? But in fact we all share his reluctance to be seen with Jesus. In our infantile regard for ourselves we are much concerned of what people will say have they known our association with this Carpenter's Son. And moreover, our own weaknesses and struggles betray us of our so called allegiance. But in our betrayal, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Who could ever resist His unconditional love? When we spat at Him, He called us friends. Such extravagant Love is too beautiful to just be hidden. And once more He says, "You are the Light of the world."

Let it be known to you that your resistance only makes Him pursue you even more. May you surrender once more to this Love. May you let this Love drown out your fears. May you stand shoulder to shoulder, never ashamed, with the One whose hands are pierced.

Where God is at work

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does." (Jn 5:18). Mission then is not bringing God where He is not, it is merely recognizing Him where He is already at work. So wherever you find God at work in a person's life, grab the privilege of co-laboring with God in changing a person's life.

Homebound

It was this day last week that I left for Manila to do a weeks worth of Chi Alpha Training in Zamboanga and Cebu. It was always a fulfilling experience to equip young people and ministers especially in the task of reaching students for Jesus. It was this season that my faith is stretched. Faith to believe that God moves, touches hearts, empowers and provides. The running theme throughout the training was "it's not about us, but it's about God." It is true because it is only by Him, through Him and for Him that we do such exploits for His kingdom. Considering our frail humanity in constant need of grace. 

I am missing my wife, Netty. She chose not to go with me because of her commitment to the class and to work. But I think we both learned our lesson. This is the first and longest time that we've been separated. How I wish that we would always be together doing God's work but there is time for everything. 

At 10:30 we will be leaving from IBC to have lunch with Ate Afel's cousin who is a church worker here in Cebu. She said he will be treating us--Fish for lunch! We leave for Manila on 5:30PM. I am truly blessed serving God. Everywhere we go, we are welcomed by "men of peace" who are blessed to have the gift of hospitality. Makes me realize that truly God is my Master. 

I wish that we could be on the mission field everyday. Though I believe that time will happen in due time. Not for the perks, but for the simplicity of life, focused only on doing His will. Going home I am excited to be reunited with my wife. But I dread living in close proximity with the world again. But then the world needs Jesus, and I can overcome through Him who strengthens me.

Day in The Life: Just Right

At TGI-Fridays 10/1/2010

Yesterday we had a wonderful date night. Was looking for a good movie to watch but the list was unappetizing perhaps except for Wallstreet. But by the time we arrived the only option for us was the last full show so we decided not to pursue the movie because it would end very late (11PM now is late). So my wife gets a haircut, while I go to Powerbooks to "window-reading".

I've been hearing about Peter Drucker, a renowned management writer and consultant, and how he's the go to guy for management principles and advise. I have discovered that one of my leadership strengths is management and organizing systems and structures, and I love it. I love to see things being done in effective and efficient ways. And so I found this shelf full of his books. (Checked the price--Php750.00 a book.) I picked an open book and found a good place to sit and read while I wait for Nette.

After some time I've gone already through three to four chapters my wife texts me that she's done. She meets me in the bookstore with her new haircut. A short above shoulder-length hair. And she looks wonderful. We then went to TGI-Fridays for dinner: Jack Daniels grilled chicken and shrimp and Mushroom chicken and mushrooms. It was a satisfying and delicious dinner. 

A few more walks at nearby SM department store and we went home. This is a date that Goldilocks would describe, "Just Right".

My Song For Netty

Browsing through old music videos in YouTube and came across this 1972 video of the Carpenters guesting on Bob Hope's TV show. Karen Carpenter voice is so heartfelt. This is my song for Nette.